According to The Times, Celtic are now facing significant competition in their chase to sign Ryan Fraser.
What’s the word?
Reports in recent days have suggested Neil Lennon’s side are very much interested in bringing the Scotland international to Celtic Park, with the winger currently being a free agent after his contract with Premier League side Bournemouth having ended.
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Now, The Times claim that Newcastle are in talks with the 26-year-old over a move to St James’ Park, and that the Magpies are “closing in” on the player.
Hammond must move
The fact that Celtic can sign a calibre of player like the £15.75m-rated Fraser on a free transfer, means Nick Hammond simply can’t afford to miss out on him.
Former Celtic ace Charlie Nicholas said: “What I like is that he is a little pocket dynamo. He is quite an old-fashioned type of player – what we used to call a tanner ba’ – from the days when Scottish players were very popular. He has a little bit of that.
“What he does understand is when he gets the ball and is allowed to run at people and be expressive. That is when he is at his finest. It is nice to see a Scot with this kind of creative, natural talent that we don’t obviously have enough of at international level.”
Whilst Newcastle offer Fraser the chance to remain in the Premier League, the Hoops can give him the chance to play Europa League football this season as well as him allowing to him come back home.
It’s a no-brainer.